On the 24th of October, our S3, S4, S5, and S6 historians visited the Verdant Works in Dundee, a former jute mill turned museum. This educational trip provided an opportunity for our students to connect their current topics of Empire and Migration with the historical significance of the jute industry in Dundee.
Our pupils have completed a write-up of their trip which has informed this blog post to share some of their learnings with you.
“The Verdant Works offered us a glimpse into the renowned jute industry that once flourished in Dundee, earning the city the nickname ‘Juteopolis'” – Lathallan pupil.
During the tour, pupils were told about the harsh realities faced by women and children who toiled in the jute mills. They learned about the impoverished working conditions and the meagre wages they received. In the Victorian era, women took on the role of “bread-takers,” while men remained at home. This insight into gender roles and the challenges faced by workers shed light on the social dynamics of the time.
Our pupils also gained an understanding of the industry’s decline and the resulting uproar it caused in Dundee. The ability to establish jute factories in India, with its cheaper production costs and lower wages, led to a significant shift in the industry. Our young historians learned about the economic implications and the detrimental impact it had on the lives of workers.
The educational tour also shed light on the modern-day consequences of the jute industry in both Dundee and India. For instance, the extensive cultivation of jute in India has left the soil difficult to farm, with lasting effects on the land. Understanding these long-lasting repercussions provided our students with a comprehensive perspective on the historical and present-day significance of the jute industry.
One of the temporary exhibitions at Verdant Works was focused on Tuberculosis, a prevalent disease among jute mill workers due to the deplorable living conditions. Families were forced to reside in cramped quarters with inadequate sanitation, facilitating the spread of the disease. Dundee’s pivotal role in medical advancements, particularly in finding a cure for Tuberculosis, has a profound impact on society.
This excursion proved particularly valuable for our N5 students, as it directly aligned with their Migration and Empire topics. The knowledge gained at Verdant Works will undoubtedly enhance their understanding and enable them to incorporate this valuable information into their exams and assignments.
Reflecting on the trip, Mr Andersen, Principal Teacher of History, Modern Studies and Politics, expressed his delight in the students’ exemplary behaviour and their enthusiasm throughout the day. He emphasised the relevance of the experience to their studies and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to their exams and reflections on Scotland’s migration history and its significant role within the British Empire.